The ICT Team of 21st Century School: 11 Basic Functions

If you’re a 21^st century school owner or you have an ICT section in your organization, one of your key assignments is to make sure you have an ICT team that meets the demands of 21^st century.

Some few decades back, all that was required of an ICT team was just a basic knowledge of the computer system and the ability to teach others how to use the keyboard and all those other Microsoft stuffs. And that was quite alright then. But not now any longer!

Today, we are dealing with a more sophisticated student group- the people we call digital natives- they are born for a time as this. It would be very difficult to impart such bunch of digital minds by running ICT the way we have run it all these years.

Simply put, the job description of the ICT team has totally changed from the conventional. And until you understand this as well as apply it as a business or school manager, you can’t possibly have a functioning ICT department in your organization.

To start with, set up a formidable ICT team. This team must be a 21^st century ICT team in true sense of the word- a team that will be saddled with the responsibility of carrying out the following duties:

#1. Students’ online safety

We have talked so much about the gains of digital literacy and a tech-driven education. But the critics of edtech still have a point, only when we fail to solve the problem of students’ online safety. Hence, a 21^st century ICT team must be experts in putting up measures that guarantee students’ online safety.

#2. Database creation for staff and students

One of the major gains of digital literacy integration in the administrative processes of the school is the ease of automation of all areas of administration. If you don’t have an ICT team that can create permanent database for staff and students, then you don’t have one.

#3. Maintenance of the school blogging platform

Schools that are not blogging today are losing out from a big income funnel. Schools have what it takes to create unlimited wealth through blogging. But then, you need a team who can do it. Your ICT team is not doing enough if they don’t have the capacity to create and maintain a paying blog.

#4. Improving tech in the school

Tech integration in schools is always an ongoing project. Do you have an innovative team that is in with current trends? You need a team that works to improve the technology project of the school. Every aspect of edtech and digital integration must be taken care of.

#5. Social media administration and marketing

Every 21^st century school needs a social media presence today. This is one of the major functions of a 21^st century ICT team- managing the school social media handles and promoting it.

#6. Planning tech training

Your teaching staff, administrative staff and students need constant tech developmental programmes to be in tune with current realities. It is the duty of the ICT team to advice the management of the timing and template for such training.

#7. Creating and monetizing school digital contents

There are so many digital contents to be created and monetized. Think of online graphics, video tutorials, online courses, ebooks etc. The ICT team should be able to create such contents and monetize them for the school.

#8. In charge of the school tech gadgets and equipment

The maintenance and custody of the school tech gadgets and equipment should be one of the functions of your ICT team. If you can’t trust your ICT team in this area, then there is no need involving them in the edtech project of your school.

#9. Examination and periodic assessment using digital tools

Running a tech-driven education should not be limited to classroom engagement. Periodic and final examinations should be administered via digital tools. Your school ICT team must be conversant with the necessary tools for this assignment.

#10. Cloud storing school docs and files

Cloud storage is part of the bargain for running with tech. it helps schools to have a permanent and more secure files and documents- students reports, staff information, administrative files and other confidential files of the school. Your ICT team should see to this.

#11. In charge of intra and inter digital communication

Every intra and inter digital communication of the school should go through the ICT team. In doing this, they must understand certain rules of engagement expected of every digital citizen, otherwise they might hurt the chances of the school.

Make sure you have such a formidable team that can do it.

There are so many gains in running with tech, but you can only profit from tech as a school only when you have a formidable team with the expertise to make it happen.

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